Method

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a method of detecting the presence of anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and detecting the binding or absence of binding of antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules. This method allows the detection and/or identification of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/190,027, filed Mar. 17, 2000.

The present invention relates to a method for detecting anti Major Histo-Compatibility Complex (MHC) antigen, particularly anti-human leucocyte antigen (HLA) reactive antibodies.

MHC antigens are glycoproteins expressed on the surface of cells, such as platelets, macrophages and lymphocytes. Functionally, these molecules play important roles in the presentation of foreign antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T cells. MHC molecules are divided into two types, Class I and Class II, based on their structure and function. MHC Class I genes encode glycoproteins which are expressed on the surface of almost all nucleated cells of the body. MHC Class I molecules are involved in activating cytotoxic T cells. MHC Class II genes encode glycoproteins expressed primarily on antigen presenting cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells) where they present the processed antigen (e.g. viral or other foreign antigens) to the T helper cells. These antigens form one group of the so-called histocompatibility antigens.

MHC molecules in humans are referred to as Human leucocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules. Typing of the numerous HLA molecules present in humans has shown that individuals possess a particular ‘signature’ of HLA molecules present on their cells. HLA molecules are coded for in the human genome by a series of four gene loci. HLA Class I molecules are coded for by the A, B, C, E, F and G regions whereas the HLA Class II molecules are coded for by the DR, DQ, DP, DO and DM regions. The loci constituting the HLA molecules are highly polymorphic, and many alternate forms of the gene or alleles exist at each locus.

In normal immune responses self-MHC, e.g. HLA molecules are recognised by T cell receptors in vivo. The T cell receptors see the foreign antigen expressed as a small peptide in the context of a MHC Class I or Class II molecule, This leads to production of appropriate antibody responses to the foreign antigen or destruction of the presenting cell depending on the presenting and T cells which are involved.

The immune system is however also able to identify and mount a challenge to non-self, i.e. foreign MHC molecules. Thus, when presented with a non-host MHC molecule, the isle system will react to destroy cells carrying the non-host MHC by normal immunological means, i.e. produce antibodies, activate the complement system etc. This is obviously undesirable when the cells carrying the non-host MHC, e.g. HLA are purposively introduced, for example, foreign cells or tissue, e.g. in a transplanted organ and presents a bar to the introduction of such cells.

Placing a ‘foreign’ (i.e. non-host) MHC molecule into an individual may result in the individual producing anti-MHC antibodies which will bind specifically to that MHC. Individuals may raise anti-MHC antibodies, and become “sensitized”, if they are exposed to a foreign MHC, i.e. during pregnancy, by blood transfusion, or by receiving an organ donation.

Pre-sensitization to MHC via transfusion, transplantation, or pregnancy can cause rapid rejection of transplanted tissue or poor platelet survival after transfusion. Therefore, testing for anti-MHC antibodies prior to tissue or organ transplantation is of great importance, as the presence in the recipient of anti-MHC antibodies which bind to donor MHC molecules (donor specific crossmatch) is predictive of a high risk of rejection of the transplanted tissue or organ. Thus, prior to transplantation, the donor tissue is typed for MHC molecules, and the recipient is typed for anti-MHC antibodies. Screening of potential transplant recipients for anti-HLA antibodies is an essential part of the pre-transplant monitoring carried out by tissue-typing laboratories.

Ideally, organs would be transplanted that are an ideal HLA match to the recipient. However, in view of the high number of HLA genes involved, up to hundred or more alleles for each, a perfect match is very difficult to obtain.

Post-transplant monitoring is also valuable to assess the level of anti-MHC antibodies which are being generated and hence the continued success or likely rejection of a transplant.

Anti-HLA antibody testing methods are known in the art, and include the screening of the blood or serum from the potential recipient against a panel of cells which are considered to present a representative selection of HLA antigens. This procedure can take up to 6 weeks. Such screening determines the panel reactivity (PR) for each sample, and gives an estimate of the degree of sensitisation against the panel of cells used for testing and can be related to the chance of a donor being suitable. The panel size may range from 25 to 100 different cells, and the larger the panels (50 to 100 different cells), the more reliable the results

A more specific method is complement-dependent-lymphocytotoxicity (CDC) testing. In this method, the serum or blood of the potential recipient is tested against a panel of lymphocytes (or more specifically, the donor's lymphocytes) and the mixture is further incubated with complement factors. In order to measure the level of cytotoxicity, the viable and non-viable cells are distinguished using a dye. Therefore, this method is not without drawbacks, as the discrimination between living and dead cells can be subject to human error.

Another well known method is based on flow cytometry which is a method that allows the analysis of a large number of individual cells in a short time. The use of flow cytometric crossmatching of recipient serum against donor lymphocytes has shown it to be a more sensitive method of antibody detection than conventional cytotoxic crosshatch. Further, FACs (fluorescent activated cell sorting) screening of pooled cells can accurately and rapidly detect anti-HLA antibodies, It has been shown (Harmer et al., Transpl. Int. (1993) 6: 277-280) that FACS can detect IgG antibodies which have not been detected by conventional screening methods.

However, these prior art methods are constrained due to the presence of molecules other than HLA on the whole cells, and therefore other ‘non-HLA’ antibodies are detected. The recent use of ELISA (enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay) employing purified class I and class II antigens from platelets and cell lines partially overcomes this problem.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,627 (Lee et al.) the use of a plurality of microbeads presenting multiple purified HLA antigens from a cell population in order to teat for anti-HLA antibodies is discussed.

Therefore, there is still a need for an assay for anti-MHC antibodies that detects single specific antibodies in a sample, in a quick and reliable manner. This will enable the dissection of component specificities and the detection of antibodies to rare MHC, e.g. HLA alleles in sera from highly sensitized patients. In brief, an assay is required that will precisely define the anti-MHC antibodies present in a samples, quickly, simply and reproducibly.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that individual recombinant HLA or HLA-type molecules can be used for specifically detecting anti-HLA antibodies. The recombinant HLA monomers have been found by the inventors to be bound by anti-HLA antibodies in a sample. Thus, recombinant MHC monomers can be utilized in the detection, identification and removal of anti-MHC antibodies. These recombinant MHC or MHC-type monomers, functioning as anti-MHC antibody antigens, have the advantage that the identity of the MHC is known, and that the sample can therefore be tested for anti-MHC antibodies for each individual recombinant MHC or MHC-type. The advantages of a more specific assay method for detecting anti-MHC, e.g. anti-HLA antibodies are self evident and include the advantages of being more convenient, less time consuming and labour intensive to develop and therefore less costly.

Significantly, the use of recombinant MHC or MHC type monomers avoids the need for purifying MHC molecules from a cell population presenting said MHC and is far simpler and quicker than CDC-type methods. The benefits of the method of the invention include the ability to quantify anti-MHC-antibodies present in a sample, in a highly reproducible manner. Uniquely, this assay ensures that the only target present is a specific, individual, MHC antigen. The method of the invention reduces assay time per sample from several weeks, in the case of CDC, to less than 3 hours. Also, as cells are not required for the assay, this circumvents the recently evolved problem of lack of availability of CDC target cells.

Thus, in a first aspect the present invention provides a method of detecting the presence of anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and detecting the binding or absence of binding of antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules, variants, derivatives or fragments thereof. This method allows the detection an&/or identification of one or more specific MHC antigen antibodies.

As used herein “detecting” refers to a qualitative, quantitative, or semi-quantitative assessment of the formation of an antibody:MHC molecule complex in the sense of obtaining an absolute value for the amount of complex formed in the sample or an index, ratio, percentage or similar qualitative or semi-quantitative indication. Thus “binding” denotes the formation of a specific and selective interaction between said 2 components. Appropriate means of detection are as described hereinafter and include detection of labels or signalling means associated with said complexes such as the use of antibodies to one of the components, in which the antibodies themselves carry a label or signalling means which can be detected by appropriate techniques. Alternatively the MHC molecules may be designed to inherently carry a label/signalling means e.g. by the use of radiolabelled amino acids in their construction, or added post-synthesis.

The signalling means may in general be any moiety capable of direct or indirect detection, e.g. by virtue of its enzymatic properties, radiation emission, scattering, absorption or magnetic properties or may cooperate with or bind to a complimentary agent to produce a detectable effect, e.g. interact with an enzyme to produce a signal, gas evolution, light emission, colour change, turbidity, precipitation etc. Such moieties are well known within the field of diagnostic assays. Alternatively the signalling means may be or allow association with a label such as radiolabels, chemical labels (for example chromophores or fluorophores such as dyes e.g. fluoroscein and rhodamine) or reagents of high electron density e.g. ferritin, haemocyamin or colloidal gold.

“Identification” refers to the identification of one or more particular MHC allele antibodies based of the specific MHC molecule to which they bind. “Absence of binding” as used herein refers to absence of detectable binding above control levels. Binding is considered to occur and hence signify the presence of a particular MHC allele when levels above a determined threshold relative to control levels are observed.

As used herein “recombinant” refers to a molecule or part thereof (preferably the MHC heavy chain) that has been produced in one or more cells via genetic engineering of that cell. Thus, the cell has been genetically modified relative to its naturally occurring form and has been provided, by any suitable means, with all the genetic information necessary to produce, or produce greater quantities of, the molecule of interest. Preferably the cell is a prokaryotic cell (e.g. bacterial cells, e,g. E. coli derivatives) or a simple eukaryotic cell (e.g. yeast, plant or insect cells). It is possible to produce recombinant molecules in higher organisms, i.e. mammals, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such methods are more labourious and time consuming than recombinant molecule production in unicellular organists.

Preferably cells are modified by introduction of a vector (e.g. a plasmid) which may replicate separately to the genome of the cell or may be integrated into that genome. In the case of expression of class I molecules the vector oomprises for example a nucleic acid molecule encoding all or part of the MHC heavy chain operatively linked to elements suitably controlling its replication, transcription and/or translation. Additionally, when preparing a class I MHC molecule the same or a further genetically modified cell may be utilized which expresses β₂-microglobulin. When preparing a class II MHC molecule the vector comprises the α and/or β chain under suitable regulatory control. In essence, the component of the MHC molecule that dictates the variability and hence polymorphism of MHC alleles is expressed recombinantly, whereas non-variant molecules, erg. β₂-microglobulin may be purified, although preferably all components are expressed recombinantly.

The recombinant MHC or MHC-type molecule used in the method of the invention can be either class I or class II, but must be sufficiently antigenic in order to be bound by anti-MHC antibodies Preferred Class I molecules are A, B and C, although other possible molecules are E, F, G, MICA, MICB and CDI. Preferred Class II molecules are DRB1/3/4/5, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1 and DPB1. The recombinant MHC or MHC-type molecule therefore has to present the extracellular polymorphic residue (i.e. the residue that is altered in each H type) for binding by the anti-MHC antibody.

As used herein an MHC molecule for use in the method of the invention, is preferably an HLA molecule and includes functionally euivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof. The MHC molecule and its variants, derivatives or fragments may comprise more than one component which together form a complex with antigenic properties, e.g. in the case of Class I molecules, the heavy chain, β₂-microglobulin and a peptide. Thus the sequence of naturally occurring MHC molecules may be modified providing areas which make up at leapt one unique epitopic site (which may be provided by one or more of the components of the MHC molecule), particularly regions of variability which allow presentation of at least one unique epitopic region which typifies a particular MHC allele and which results in the production of specific MHC antibodies directed to that region are maintained such that the said specific antibodies are still capable of binding to that region. As will be appreciated this requires maintenance of not only residues at the epitopic site, but also key skeletal residues to achieve correct folding of the MHC molecule to form the epitopic site. However, the use of misfolded MHC molecules in the method of the invention is also envisaged, wherein the epitopic site remains available for antibody binding.

Thus derivatized MHC molecules are also contemplated providing they exhibit the same function, i.e. allow appropriate presentation of one or more of the epitopic sites of the MHC allele of interest. Thus functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments refer to MHC molecules related to or derived from naturally occurring MHC molecules wherein the amino acid sequence of one or more components of said MHC molecules (e.g. the class I heavy chain, class IIα and/or β chain) has been modified by single or multiple amino acid (e.g. at 1 to 50, e.g. 10 to 30, preferably 1 to 5 bases) substitution, addition and/or deletion but which nonetheless retains functional activity.

Within the meaning of “addition” variants are included amino and/or carboxyl terminal fusion proteins or polypeptides, comprising an additional or replacement protein or polypeptide fused to the polypeptide sequence e.g. a portion of the MHC molecule (e.g. the MHC class I heavy chain transmembrane/cytosolic tail) is preferably supplemented or replaced with a means for immobilisation, e.g. a peptide which allows biotinylation of said molecule.

Derivatives may be prepared by post-synthesis modification or by modification during synthesis e.g. using modified residues or modified encoding nucleic acid material e.g. modified by site-directed mutagenesis. Derivatives preferably include those in which conservative amino acid substitutions are employed so as not to significantly affect structure and function at that residue. Derivatized or modified amino acids may also be used, e.g. methylated residues, where compatible with recombinant expression.

Preferably, the derivatives and variants are closely related to one or more components of the naturally occurring MHC molecules, e.g. are encoded by nucleic acid molecules with more than 70%, preferably more than 80, 90 or 95% sequence identity to naturally occurring sequences or exhibit such sequence identity to the functional portions of these sequences, e.g. to naturally occurring allelic geographical or allotypic variants e.g. to sequences as described in the MGT website (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/img/hla). Preferably said derivatives or variants exhibit the above-stated sequence identity to sequences identified in “Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, 1998, Tissue Antigens 1999:53, 407-446”. Such derivatives or variants may be for example, as described in (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/img/hla) or Table 4. Alternatively stated, the encoded polypeptides may exhibit more than 704, preferably more than 80, 90 or 95% sequence identity or exhibit such sequence identity to the functional portions of these sequences, e.g. to naturally occurring allelic geographical or allotypic variants e.g. to sequences as described in the IMGT webeite (http://www/ebi.ac.uk/img/hla). Preferably said derivatives or variants exhibit the above-stated sequence identity to sequences disclosed in “Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, 1998, Tissue Antigens 1999: 53, 407-446”. Such derivatives or variants may be for example, as described in (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/img/hla) or Table 4.

“Sequence identity” as referred to herein in connection with nuclectide sequences refers to the value obtained when assessed using ClustalW (Thompson et al., 1994, Nucl. Acids Res., 22, p4673-4680) with the following parameters:

Pairwise alignment parameters—Method: accurate, Matrix; IUB, Gap open penalty: 15.00, Gap extension penalty: 6.66;

Multiple alignment parameters—Matrix; IUB, Gap open penalty: 15.00, % identity for delay: 30, Negative matrix: no, Gap extension penalty: 6.66, DNA transitions weighting: 0.5.

In connection with amino acid sequences, “sequence identity” refers to sequences which have the stated value when assessed using ClustalW (Thompson et al., 1994, supra) with the following parameters:

Pairwise alignment parameters—Method: accurate, Matrix: PAM, Gap open penalty. 10.00, Gap extension penalty: 0.10;

Multiple alignment parameters—Matrix: PAM, Gap open penalty: 10.00, %, identity for delay: 30, Penalize end gaps: on, Gap separation distance: 0. Negative matrix: no, Gap extension penalty: 0.20, Residue-specific gap penalties: on, Hydrophilic gap penalties: on, Hydrophilic residues: GPSNDQEKR. Sequence identity at a particular residue is intended to include identical residues which have simply been derivatized.

Functionally equivalent fragments according to the invention may be made by truncation, e.g. by removal of regions of components of the MHC molecule not crucial to formation of one or more epitopes on said recombinant MHC molecule. Thus fragments may, as with MHC molecules comprise more than one component. Such fragments may be derived from naturally occurring molecules as described above or from the functionally equivalent variants or derivatives thereof. Preferably the fragments are between 50 and 500 residues, e.g. 100 and 250 residues in length.

Preferably said MHC molecules are, or are derived from, humans, domestic animals or livestock, such as cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, sheep, cows, goats, rabbits, rats, mice, monkeys or apes, although preferably the MHC molecules are HLA molecules, i.e. derived from humans. Preferably said MHC molecules (or derivatives, variants or fragments thereof) are class I molecules. The invention does however also extend to class II MHC molecules. Especially preferably the MHC molecules are in monomeric form. Said monomeric form however refers to the minimum number of components necessary to display one or more epitopes corresponding to an epitope of a naturally occurring MHC allele, e.g. a heavy chain, β-microglobulin and an associated peptide. However, for class II MHC molecules, less components may be necessary to form the epitope. Therefore, it may not be necessary to include the associated peptide, for example, for class II molecules.

The method of the invention employs recombinant MHC or MHC-type monomers in order to detect anti-MHC antibodies. A number of recombinant HLA or HLA-type molecules are known and described in the literature. As mentioned above, any of there or their fragments, may be used according to the present invention as indeed may any molecule, or fragment thereof, exhibiting the properties and characteristics of an HLA molecule (“HLA-type”) as described further below.

Tetramers of human lymphocyte antigen A2 complexed with two differed HIV-derived peptides or a peptide derived from influenza A matrix protein are described in Altwan et al., 1996, Science, 274, 94-96. In this paper, recombinant multimeric peptide-MHC complexes are synthesized in order to bind to T cells. Tetramera of recombinant HLA-2 complexed with any one of the three peptides mentioned above were used. However, in the method of the invention it is envisaged that monomers of recombinant HLA or HLA-type molecules will preferably be used. The tetrameric complexes of recombinant HLA class I are further described in Ogg et al., J. Exp. Med., 1998, 188, 1203 to 1208 the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. In this paper, the HLA heavy chain was expressed in Escherichia Coli.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recombinant MHC is synthesised in a prokaryotic expression system (see Example 1). It will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art that the MHC molecule will be synthesised in an un-glycosylated form, as prokaryotic cells do not have the capacity to glycosylate proteins. Glycosylated sites are known to play important roles in ligand binding, and would therefore be thought to be a necessary component of anti-MHC antibody binding to MHC molecules. Surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that the lack of glycosylation of the recombinant HLA or HLA-type molecules is not detrimental to anti-HLA antibody binding.

In the method of the invention, any suitable recombinant MHC or MHC-type monomer may be used. It may be necessary to complex the recombinant MHC with a peptide in order to present the recombinant MHC/MHC-type monomer for anti-MHC antibody binding, and this forms a preferred aspect of the invention especially with respect to class I MHC molecules, fragments or derivatives thereof. Any suitable peptide may be used in the complex, but it will be understood that, in order to prevent antibodies in the sample specific for the complexing protein binding to the complexing protein, it is preferable to use a peptide against which most individuals do not possess antibodies. Thus peptides may be used which are ubiquitous or preferably to which the majority of a given population or a particular individual has not been exposed.

Suitable peptides include peptides of viral origin such as from the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus) HCV (hepatitis C virus) or influenza viruses or particular strains of the latter to which moat individuals have not been exposed. Preferably the peptide is HIV or HCV derived. It will therefore be necessary to ascertain whether the individual is HIV, HCV or influenza positive prior to analysis of anti-MHC antibodies. Thus, a recombinant MHC or MHC-type monomer complexed to HIV, HCV or influenza virus derived peptides form a further aspect of the invention. Preferably said peptide is between 5 and 20 residues, e.g. between 8 and 15 residues, e.g. as described in Example 1.

In order to detect the binding of anti-MHC antibodies to the recombinant MHC molecules, it is preferred to attach the monomers to a solid support, via any suitable linkage. As used herein “linkage” refers to any interaction between the MHC molecule and the solid support, enabling them to be associated. Such interaction may involve physical association such as covalent binding and may also involve so-called “weak”interactions such as hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals forces and ionic interactions. Alternatively, the MHC molecules may be provided with means for attachment to a solid support. Such means may constitute or comprise, for example one partner of an affinity binding pair, e.g. biotin, binding to the corresponding binding partner of the affinity binding pair, i.e. streptavidin, provided on the solid support. Alternative binding pairs include antibodies:antigens and DNA:DNA binding proteins. The HLA molecules may inherently comprise one of said partners, e.g. an epitope or may be synthesized to contain said partner.

It forms a preferred aspect of the invention that the recombinant MHC or MHC-type molecule is synthesized to contain an enzymatic biotinylation site, such as Bir A. The monomer may then be biotinylated using Bir A, biotin, ATP and Mg²⁺. The biotin enables the MHC monomer to bind to streptavidin-coated solid support, for example a solid support such as glass, plastic, tissue culture plastic, a matrix such as sepharose, solid supports such as iron or other metals, a solid particle such as for example a magnetic or non-magnetic bead.

Where appropriate binding partners or the MHC molecules may be attached to the solid support by any convenient means e.g. attachment by methods well known in the art such as attachment through hydroxyl, carboxyl, aldehyde or amine groups which may be provided by treating the solid support to provide suitable surface coatings.

The solid support may be any of the well known supports or matrices which are currently widely used or proposed for immobilisation, separation etc. As mentioned above, these may take the form of particles, sheets, dip-sticks, gels, filters, membranes, fibres, capillaries, or microtitre strips, tubes, plates or wells etc.

Conveniently the support may comprise glass, silica, latex or a polymeric material such as for example nitrocellulose, agarose, alginate, teflon, latex, polystyrene or nylon. Preferred are materials presenting a high surface area for binding. Such supports will generally have an irregular surface and may be for example be porous or particulate eg. particles, fibres, webs, sinters or sieves. Particulate materials e.g. beads are generally preferred due to their greater binding capacity, particularly polymeric beads.

Conveniently, a particulate solid support used according to the invention will comprise spherical beads. In an alternative preferred feature the solid support is nitrocellulose e.g. a strip. In a further alternative preferred feature the solid support is an ELISA plate.

Non-magnetic polymer beads suitable for use in the method of the invention are available from Dynal Particles AS (Lillestrom, Norway) as well as from Qiagen, Pharmacia and Serotec.

However, to aid manipulation and separation, magnetic beads are preferred. The well-known magnetic particles sold by Dynal Eliotech AS (Oslo, Norway) under the trade mark DYNABEADS, are particularly suited to use in the present invention.

The attachment of the recombinant MHC or MHC-type molecule to a solid phase allows easy manipulation of the monomer. Thus, the attachment to some kind of solid phase can enable the separation of the anti-MHC antibodies from the rest of the components in the sample. This can be achieved for example by carrying out washing steps, or if the components are attached to magnetic beads, using a magnetic field to effect physical separation of the linked component from the rest of the components in the mixture.

Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the individual recombinant MHC or MHC-type monomer is attached to a solid support, and is contacted with a sample from an individual.

Alternative methods are however contemplated in which detection of antibodies binding to MHC molecules is not achieved using immobilized MHC molecules, Essentially, the assay described herein relies on specific binding between recombinant MHC molecules and antibodies thereto and this complex may be detected by any convenient means e.g. by binding a further labelled molecule specific for that complex or able to bind to and be used to remove said complex from the sample or techniques which identify complex formation per se, e.g. techniques which discriminate on the basis of size.

The sample for use in the invention may be any suitable sample that contains antibodies, and is preferably a body fluid sample, i.e. blood, blood-derived samples, (e.g. plasma or serum), saliva, interstitial fluid, lymphatic fluid or eluate from cells or tissues. The sample may be used as collected or prepared or diluted where appropriate. The sample is contacted with MHC molecules for a time and under conditions appropriate for the formation of MHC molecule:antibody complexes. The individual from whom the sample is derived corresponds at least by genus, preferably by species, to the MEC molecules to be used in the assay, and are preferably human.

Where a solid support is used, after contact of the sample with the solid support carrying the MHC molecules the solid support is then washed or the physical separation of solid support and sample is effected, in order to remove unbound antibodies and the sample, leaving the relevant anti-MHC antibody bound to individual recombinant MHC monomer attached to the solid support. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, different individual recombinant MHC or MHC-type molecules e.g. relating to one or more epitopes of a naturally occurring allele are bound in individual discrete wells on a microtitre plate, to allow a ‘one well-one antigen’ format, which allows the testing of a sample for multiple anti-MHC antibodies, delivering an accurate and precise picture of which antibodies are present.

Any means known in the art can be used to detect the antibody bound to the recombinant MHC or MHC-type molecules. When sensitized to foreign MHC molecules, an individual produces antibodies of both immunoglobulin G and M types (IgG and IgM) and other isotypes such as Immunoglobulin A (IgA). The significance of IgM and IgA antibodies directed against MHC in transplantation is not completely understood. However, the presence of anti-MHC IgG antibodies in a patient has been demonstrated to increase the risk of graft rejection. Using appropriate recognition steps it is possible to differentiate between anti-MHC IgG or IgA antibodies and anti-MHC IgM antibodies bound to MHC molecules in accordance with the invention. Both IgG and IgM may be detected in a single assay of the invention, alternatively, the presence of IgG or IgM can be independently determined.

The preferred method of detecting antibody bound to the recombinant MHC monomer, is via ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and related methods, which involves the use of anti-IgG or anti-IgM antibody conjugated to a signalling means, e.g. a label or an enzyme (such as horseradish peroxidase). In the latter case, upon addition of a known quantity of substrate for the conjugated enzyme (such as p-nitrophenyl phosphate disodium), the presence and quantity of bound antibody can be ascertained, as well known in the art. As will be appreciated the source of the anti-IgG/IgM antibodies are appropriately selected in line with the IgG/IgM to be detected, e.g. in a human-derived sample anti-human anti-IgG or anti-IgM antibodies are used, e.g. as may be generated by challenge of e.g. rats, mice, or rabbits with human IgG/IgM.

However, any standard method of detecting antibodies may be used in the method of the invention to detect anti-MHC antibodies bound to MHC molecules optionally attached to a solid support, such as the use of colloidal gold conjugated to protein A, immunoelectron microscopy, flow cytometry or immunofluorescent detection.

The method of the invention can primarily be used to detect anti-MHC antibodies, particularly anti-HLA antibodies in the body fluid sample of an individual is prior to or after transplantation or blood transfusion. The advantage of the method of the invention over the prior art includes speed, reliability, accuracy and lack of dependency on calls or cell derived products. Thus in further aspects of the invention, the invention provides a method of assessing MHC, preferably NM compatibility, between 2 individuals comprising the steps of detecting one or more anti-MHC antibodies in a sample from said first individual according to the method described hereinbefore and comparing the results thus obtained to the MHC alleles present in said second individual.

In a further embodiment, the recombinant MHC or MHC type molecules bound to the solid support are utilized when treating blood derived products prior to analysis or processing to produce a blood product—i.e. purified plasma, for transfusion. The blood product may then be suitable for introducing into a recipient. Thus in a further aspect the invention provides a method of depleting a sample of MHC molecule antibodies comprising at least the steps of contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof, optionally attached to a solid support and removing at least the recombinant MHC molecules to which antibodies contained within the sample have bound. The invention further extends to products thus formed. As referred to herein, “depleting” refers to reduction, preferably complete removal of said antibodies.

In the method of the invention, any number of recombinant MHC or MHC type molecules may be used individually to assess the anti-MHC antibodies present in the sample. The use of multiple individual molecules is preferred, obtaining a complete picture on the anti-MHC antibodies. Preferably 1 to 100, more preferably 1 to 75, more preferably 1 to 50 and most preferably 1 to 35 e.g. 10 to 75 or 15 to 30 recombinant MHC or MHC type Class I or II monomers are used in the method of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, at least 30, e.g. 30 to 35, e.g. 33 recombinant MHC or MHC type class I monomers are used. Table 4 shows comprehensive coverage for the method of the invention for anti-Class I HLA antibodies. The invention further extends to a single solid support carrying more than 2, preferably more than 10 different recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof at discrete locations on said solid support which may be processed separately according to the method of the invention to allow separate detection and identification of antibodies directed to each of said MHC molecules. Conveniently said support is in the form of a filter or plate with discrete sites or wells and a different MHC molecule is bound to each site or well and the binding of antibodies at each of said sites or wells is determined. TABLE 4 Comprehensive allele coverage for future monoLISA screening. This list comprises the alleles equivalent to those which would be regarded as providing a broad coverage of HLA class I specificities in a standard CDC test. Alleles in bold are predicted to be the minimum required for monoLISA in the first instance. A locus B locus C locus A*0101 B*0702 B*4402 Cw*0102 A*0201 B*0801 B*4501 Cw*0202 A*0301 B*1302 B*4601 Cw*0304 A*1101 B*1401 B*4701 Cw*0303 A*2301 B*1402 B*4801 Cw*0401 A*2402 B*1501 B*4901 Cw*0501 A*2501 B*1502 B*5001 Cw*0602 A*2601 B*1503 B*5101 Cw*0701 A*2902 B*1509 B*5201 Cw*0802 A*3001 B*1512 B*5301 Cw*1202 A*3101 B*1513 B*5401 Cw*1203 A*3201 B*1516 B*5501 Cw*1402 A*3301 B*1801 B*5601 Cw*1502 A*3401 B*2705 B*5701 Cw*1601 A*3601 B*3501 B*5801 Cw*1702 A*4301 B*3701 B*5901 Cw*1801 A*6601 B*3801 B*6701 A*6801 B*3901 B*7301 A*6901 B*4001 B*7801 A*7401 B*4002 B*8101 A*8001 B*4101 B*8201 B*4201

The invention also comprises kits for use in the methods of the invention, which will normally include at least the following components:

a) one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof;

b) optionally a solid support, together with means for attachment of the MHC molecules; and

c) a means for detecting anti-MEC-antibodies, preferably an antibody which binds to the Complex formed between said MHC molecules and naturally occurring antibodies to said molecules, e.g. anti-Ig or anti-IgM antibodies, preferably anti-human anti-IgG or IgM antibodies.

The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows the correlation between CDC and monoLISA δA for HLA-A2 reactivity, as a scatter plot of βA versus CDC reactivity. MonoLISA and CDC were performed on 85 sera from renal dialysis or transplant patients and the corrected data (δA) are plotted. An arbitrary out-off value of 0.5 was applied. The experimental conditions are defined in Example 2;

FIG. 2 shows the correlation between CDC and monoLISA δA for HLA-B8 reactivity, as a scatter plot of δA versus CDC reactivity. The experimental conditions are as defined in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the influence of presented peptide on anti-HLA/monomer binding. Ten sera were tested in duplicate against a panel of 4 recombinant HLA/peptide complexes made up of A*1101 monomers refolded around either HIV- or EBV-derived peptides. Mean δA values are shown here, on a plot of mean delta absorbance versus serum 1D;

FIG. 4 shows the influence of glycosylation on anti-HLA antibody binding to the monomer, as described in Example 4. Seven sera were tested in duplicate against two monomer/peptide combinations expressing the Bw6 motif (B*0702/EBV and B*0801/HCV). These sera were from 5 patients with CDC-defined anti-Bw6 reactivity, one unsensitized male (MB) and one Bw4-reactive individual (JA). Standardization between the two monomers was carried out by measuring W6/32 reactivity. Mean δA values for the two different monomer/peptide complexes are shown on a plot of mean delta absorbance v serum ID.

EXAMPLE1 Materials and Methods

Recombinant HLA Molecules

Purified HLA heavy chain and β2 microglobulin were synthesized using a prokaryotic expression system (pET; Novagen, Milwaukee, Wis.). The heavy chain was modified by deletion of the transmembrane/cytosolic tail and COOH-terminal addition of a 15 amino arid sequence containing the BirA enzymatic biotinylation site. The heavy chain, β2 microglobulin and peptide were refolded by dilution. The 45-kD refolded product was isolated using fast protein liquid chromatography and biotinylated on a single lysine within the BirA substrate peptide, by BirA (Avidity, Denver, Colo.) in the presence of biotin (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.), ATP (Sigma Chemical Co.) and Mg²⁺ (Sigma Chemical Co.). The biotinylated product was separated from the free biotin by gel filtration and ion exchange using “PLC. The monomers used had been refolded with the peptides listed in table 1. The use of monomers refolded with HIV- and HCV-derived peptides avoided the possible confounding contribution of antibody specific for the peptide rather than the alloantigen. In this manner, HLA-A2, HLA-A11, HLA-B7 and HLA-B8 monomers (Class I HLA molecules) were synthesized. Two different monomer/peptide combinations were used as target antigens, Az/gag and B8/HCV. TABLE 1 Details of recombinant monomer/peptide combinations used. Monomer ID Allele Peptide sequence A2/gag (6) A*0201 SLYNTVATL (9) B7/EBV B*0702 RPPIFIRRL (10) B8/HCV (8) B*0801 HSKKKKDEL (11) A11/nef A*1101 QVPLRPMTYK (12) A11/pol A*1101 AIFQSSMTK (13) A11/EBV1 A*1101 IVTDFSVIK A11/EBV2 A*1104 AVFDRKSVIK (14) Solid support 50 μl of L monomer (at approximately 0.5 ng-μl⁻¹) was incubated in a streptavidin-coated 96 well ‘combiplate,’ (Labsystems, Finland) at 22° C. for 30 minutes. All volumes were per well, and the monomers were conjugated to the streptavidin-coated microtitre plates in a “one well, one antigen” format. The plate was washed 4 times with 200 μl wash buffer (PBS with 0.05% Tween 20),

EXAMPLE 2

Materials and Methods

Serum Samples

Test sera were separated from the clotted blood of 100 transplanted and pre-transplant renal patients (test sera), and the negative control for both assays was from an untransfused blood group AB male. All patients were tested and were negative for HIV, and sera from patients positive for HCV were excluded from this study. All sera were stored at −20° C. The sera were selected for the presence of IgG of the following specificities as determined by complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC); 26 anti-HLA-A2 sera, 28 anti-HLA B8 sera and 25 sera showing either no alloreactivity (cytotoxic negativity), or alloreactivity to other Class I molecules (irrelevant antibody). Four of the sera with relevant IgG specificity contained antibodies with specificity for both HLA-A2 and HLA-B8.

ELISA Assay of Serum Sables “MonoLISA”The serum was diluted 1:20 in dilution buffer (wash buffer with 5% skimmed milk powder, Tesco Ltd, UK), and then incubated at 22° C. for 30 minutes, on the HLA-coated ‘Combiplate”, prepared as described in Example 1. The plate was then washed 3 times with 200 Aμl wash buffer (supra). Each well was incubated for 1 hour at 22° C. with 100 μl of sheep anti-human IgG antiserum conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (Serotec, UK) diluted 1:10000 in dilution buffer and then washed 3 times as above. One hundred microlitres of 1 mg-m1⁻¹ orthophenylenediamine dihydrochloride (Sigma, UK) solution in phosphate-citrate buffer with sodium perborate (Sigma, UK) was added and incubated for 15 min. at 22° C. in the dark. The reaction was stopped with 100 μl of 1N HCl and the absorbance (A) evaluated at 490 nm with a reference wavelength of 630 nm using a Dynatech MRX plate-reader.

Results were corrected (δA) for non-specific binding (background) by subtracting the absorbance of the blank well, which contained serum but no antigen, (A_(no antigen)) from that of the test well (A_(test)). Preliminary data (not shown) led to the assigning of an arbitrary cut-off value for δA of 0.5. To standardize the concentration of different monomers, the above method was carried out identically, except that the mouse monoclonal, W6/32 (Serotec, UK) at a concentration of 1:1000 in dilution buffer, was substituted for patient's serum. Consequently, a rat anti-mouse IgG2a monoclonal conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (Serotec, UK), also at 1:1000 in dilution buffer, was used in place of the anti-human conjugate. The monomer was bound at a range of doubling dilutions, and the concentration giving a δA closest to a standard value (3 absorbance units) was chosen as the working concentration for that monomer.

EXAMPLE 3 CDC-Defined Specificity and δA Values

Table 2 shows the CDC-defined specificity and δA for each of the 85a sera after testing against the A2/gag and B8/HCV monomers. These same data are presented graphically as categorical scatter plots in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Briefly, 4/85 CDC-A2-negative sera were positive with the A2 monomer whilst no CDC-A2-positive sera were negative with A2 monomer. The remaining 81 sera were concordant between the two is methods, with 34 double positive sera and 47 double negatives. With the B8 monomer, there were 4 CDC-B8-ve/monoLISA+ve sera and, again, no CDC+ve/monoLISA−ve serum, with 27 double positive and 54 double negative sera. The monoLISA test using the A2 monomer exhibited 100% sensitivity and 92% specificity compared to CDC, Similarly, the B8 monoLISA attained 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity.

Table 2. Comparison of CDC-defiined specificities with monoLISA δA values. CDC and monoLISA detection results for 85 sera tested against the HLA-2 and HLA-B8 monomers are shown here. Sera that were negative by CDC but positive with the relevant monomer are highlighted. No sera were positive by CDC but negative by monoLISA. Cytotoxicity MonoLISA Specificities A2² B8³ A2⁴ B8⁵ A2, 28 + − 3.92 0.43 A2, 9 + − 3.74 0 A1, 2, 9, 28 + − 3.73 0.16 A2, 3 + − 3.67 0.09 A2, 3, 9, 28 + − 3.66 −0.05 A2, 24, 28 + − 3.55 −0.1 A2, 28 + − 3.55 0.33 A8, 28 + − 3.17 0.06 A1, 2, 3, 11 (?24) + − 3.07 0.74 A1, 2, 28 + − 3.05 0.53 A2, B8 + + 2.89 2.16 A2, 28, classII + − 2.88 0.23 A2, 28, B7 + − 2.85 0.18 A2+ + − 2.75 −0.01 A2, 28, 10, 34 + − 2.64 0.24 A2, 9 + − 2.49 0.01 a2, a9 + − 2.43 0.02 A2, B8 + + 2.11 2.72 A2, 9, 28 + − 2.07 0.16 Weak A2 + − 1.84 0.19 A2 + − 1.82 0.37 A2, B8, B57, DR7, 53 + + 1.81 0.55 A2, B8, 44 + + 1.75 1.3 A2, Bw4, Aw4 + − 1.09 0.13 A2 + − 1.08 0.71 A2, 28 + − 1 0.02 A2, 28 + − 0.91 0.06 A2, B7 CREG + − 0.9 0.21 A2 + − 0.86 0.05 A11, weak A2 + − 0.79 0.01 A2, B7 + − 0.72 0.4 Weak A2 + − 0.63 0.09 A2, IgM B8 + − 0.53 −0.05 B8, DR3 − + −0.04 2.71 A1, B8 − + −0.26 2.32 B8 − + 0.92 2.23 B8 − + 0.02 2.1 Weak B8 − + 0.05 2.01 A1, A9, B8 − + 0.92 1.87 B8, 18, 35, 53, 5, 21, 61 − + 2.02 1.85 B8, 59 − + −0.03 1.78 B8, weak 14, 39 − + −0.03 1.51 B7, 8, weak Cw7 − + −0.02 1.41 ¹CDC-defined specificities ^(2,3)Presence or absence of CDC A2 and B8 reactivity respectively ^(4,5)δA values obtained with A2 and B8 monomers, respectively Cytotoxicity MonoLISA Specificities A2 B8 A2 B8 B8, weak 14, 16 − + −0.02 1.4 B8, DQ2 − + 0.08 1.39 Weak B8 − + 0.06 1.3 B8, 16 − + 0.22 1.26 B8 − + 0.04 1.25 B8, 64, 65 − + 0.29 1.18 B8 − + 0.2 1 A1, B5, 35, 8, Bw6 − + −0.13 1 B8 − + 0.12 0.97 Weak B8 − + −0.06 0.82 B8, weak B65, DQ2 − + 0.11 0.7 B8, Cw7 − + −0.06 0.66 B8, DR52 − + 0.08 0.57 A2 IgM − − 0.04 0.66 DR 3, 13 − − 0.1 0.47 Negative − − 0.23 0.45 Negative − − 0.43 0.42 Aw4, Bw4 − − −0.07 0.4 A9, B5, 35, 53, 15, 17 − − 0.48 0.36 A2 IgM, B44, 40, 41 − − 0.41 0.31 B51, 52, 53, IgM B8, Bw4 − − −0.03 0.3 Multi B (not B8) − − 0.01 0.27 A9, weak A10, A11 − − 0.01 0.27 A1, 3, 9, 11 − − 0.01 0.25 B7, 27 − − 0.11 0.14 A10 − − 0.18 0.07 B57+ − − −0.04 0.07 AB serum (Neg control) − − −0.13 0.07 A10, 34, 31, 40, 42, 12, 13 − − 0.63 0.06 Weak IgM autos − − 0.04 0.05 B17+ autos − − 0.1 0.04 B7, DQ1 − − 0.26 0.03 Weak IgM B8 − − 0.02 0.03 B12, A1 − − −0.03 −0.01 A1, Bw4+ − − −0.15 −0.03 Probable autos − − −0.02 −0.04 IgM B8, 17, 27 − − −0.08 −0.04 DR11, 13, 8, (3, 14), DR52 − − 0.37 −0.07 Probable autos − − −0.23 −0.1 (DR13) − − 0.01 −0.14 Negative − − −0.12 −0.17 IgM B8, 27 − − 0.27 −0.25 Discussion This study demonstrates an excellent correlation between the techniques of CDC and monoLISA, With both the A2 and B8 monomers tested there were positive reactions which had previously been negative by CDC. These reactions, which tended to be relatively weak, are to be expected in a system that is designed to detect IgG isotype-binding and not just the presence of cytotoxic antibodies This phenomenon has previously has been reported using the ELISA method, PRA-STAT which detected HLA-specific IgG antibodies relevant to transplant outcome that were not detected by CDC More importantly in this study, all the sera that showed positivity in the CDC test were also positive using monoLISA. This is a good demonstration that, at least using the sera tested, there was no abrogation of the antibody/antigen interaction using recombinant molecules in place of the natural ligand.

EXAMPLE 4 The Influence of Presented Peptide on Anti-HLA/Monomer Binding

To investigate whether the presence of different peptides presented in the monomer would exert any effect on the strength of antibody binding, 4 recombinant HLA/peptide complexes comprising identical monomers but different peptide were used. This panel was available for HLA-A* 1101 and included 2 HIV-derived peptides (nef and pol) and 2 EBV-derived peptides (EBVI and EBV2; table 1). These monomer/peptide combinations were applied to sera containing antibodies against HLA-A11 as detected by CDC. To minimize the interference of any possible specific humoral response directed at the peptides, the peptides were derived from pathogens which were either absent from the patient population (HLV) or ubiquitous (EBV). Nine sera from sensitized patients were selected for the presence of anti-All antibodies. A negative control serum was also used for the absence of HLA-reactive immunoglobulin. These sera were reacted in duplicate with each of the 4 different A11 monomer/peptide combinations. Each of the monomer/peptides was also standardized with W6/32 in the same plates so that correction could be made for slight variations in actual monomer concentrations.

Results

Each of the 10 sera gave grossly similar results with the different monomer/peptide combinations, and all sera had significantly higher δA values than the negative control (p<0.001, paired T). This demonstrates that bound peptide did not significantly interfere with reactivity in the monoLISA test. The results are depicted graphically as FIG. 3.

Discussion

The use of monomers with identical HLA antigens, but different peptides within the groove offered an opportunity to analyse the importance of the peptide in alloantibody responses. Using a limited number of monomers of the same HLA specificity (All), but with different peptides, we have demonstrated that the peptide does not have a large impact on alloantibody binding. This is an important observation, as it suggests that single monomers with irrelevant peptides within the groove can be used for antibody screening in this assay.

EXAMPLE 5 The Influences of Glycosylation on Anti-HLA/monomer Binding

Prokaryotic expressions systems such as Escherichia coli are potentially restricted by their inability to glycosylate proteins. As native HLA class I heavy chains have an N-linked carbohydrate moiety at asparagine 86 it is possible that antibodies specific for epitopes in the proximity of this residue may have differential binding characteristics with recombinant monomers compared to native protein. The Bw4 and Bw6 motifs, present on all expressed HLA-B locus antigens constitute a well-defined operationally dimorphic system. The residues responsible for these motifs are at positions 77-83 on the class I heavy chain. This region of the heavy chain sequence constitutes the most proximal known epitope to the glycosylation site. Anti-Bw6 reactivity was thus used to determine whether the absence of carbohydrate had a measurable effect on the binding of alloantibodies. Antisera of the Bw6 specificity were tested with MonoLISA using the two monomers- B7/EBV and B8/HCV as Bw6 motif-hearing targets. Bw4 motif-bearing monomers were not available for testing. Antisera from 5 patients with CDC-defined anti-Bw6 reactivity, one AB serum and one Bw4-reactive serum were tested in duplicate against the two monomer/peptide combinations. Standardization between the two monomers was carried out by measuring W6/32 reactivity as above. The sensitization details of the selected sera are given in table 3. TABLE 3 Sensitization ID Specificity Route of known HLA Transfusions MB Negative control None None IM Bw6 B7 tx¹ None BC Bw6+ B7 & 8 tx B7 preg² 14 ABI Bw6 None 7 ABu Bw6 None 4 CP Bw6 37 preg 7 JA Bw6 None 2 ¹tx, kidney transplant; ²preg, pregnancy-sensitization determined on the basis of the HLA of the presumed father. All the sera reacted above the arbitrary cut-off δA of 0.5, and the negative controls both reacted at a lower level than the no-monomer wells. Variation in binding levels between the different sera was apparent, and with the exception of serum BC, the results obtained with the two monomers followed the same trend. These results show that the lack of a carbohydrate moiety did not reduce the binding of antisera to a very close epitope, i.e. the Bw6 motif. Indeed, the absorbance values obtained were mostly high in the range of values seen using sera against other epitopes. Discussion The reactivity exhibited by the two Bw6 bearing monomers suggests that the Bw6 motif can be detected using the monoLiSA method. As the putative Bw6 motif is situated close to the carbohydrate-bearing amino acid on HLA class I, this suggests that lack of glycosylation of the monomers is not detrimental to binding, and thus detection, of antibody. The possibility, however, that the selected sera contained not only anti-Bw6 reactivity, but alas Antibodies reacting with B7- and B8-specific motifs that are spatially separate from the putative Bw6 region cannot be ruled out. However, this is unlikely, given that similar strengths of reactivity are demonstrated against both molecules with each individual serum. The exception is serum BC. With this serum, the monomers reacted differentially, the B8 eliciting approximately double the reactivity produced with B7. This disparity in reactivity can be explained, as the patient was sensitized with a graft bearing both B7 and B8. A later serum from the same patient showed a decrease in PRA that allowed the two specificities, B7 and B8, to emerge from the broader Bw6 specificity (data not shown). Presumably, the graft-presented B8 elicited a stronger response than did B7, to which the patient was exposed on the graft and in previous pregnancies. 

1. A method of detecting the presence of one or more allele specific anti-Major Histo-Compatibility Complex (MHC) antibodies in a body fluid sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules which each bind to a different allele specific MHC antibody, if present in said sample, and detecting binding or absence of binding of said one or more allele specific antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules, wherein each of said one or more allele specific antibodies is specific for a particular naturally occurring MHC allele and binds to only one of said one or more recombinant MHC molecules which contains one or more epitopes of said naturally occurring MHC allele.
 2. A method of detecting the presence of one or more allele specific anti-Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) antibodies in a body fluid sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant HLA molecules which each bind a different allele specific HLA antibody, if present in said sample, and detecting binding or absence of binding of said one or more allele specific antibodies to said recombinant HLA molecules, wherein each of said one or more specific antibodies is each specific for a particular HLA allele and binds to only one of said one or more recombinant HLA molecules which contains one or more epitopes of said naturally occurring HLA allele.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said MHC or HLA molecule is a Class I MHC or HLA molecule.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said recombinant MHC or HLA molecule comprises a heavy chain and wherein the heavy chain of said MHC or HLA molecule is recombinant.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the antibodies which are detected are IgG, IgM or IgA.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said recombinant MHC or HLA molecule comprises a heavy chain, β₂-microglobulin and peptide.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein said peptide is derived from HIV, HCV or an influenza virus.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the MHC molecules are attached to a solid support.
 9. The method of claim 2 wherein the HLA molecules are attached to a solid support.
 10. The method of claim 9 or 10 wherein said solid support is a spherical bead.
 11. The method of claim 9 or 10 wherein said solid support is a nitrocellulose strip.
 12. The method of claim 9 or 10 wherein said solid support is an ELISA plate.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the recombinant MHC is synthesized in a prokaryotic expression system.
 14. The method of claim 2 wherein the recombinant HLA is synthesized in a prokaryotic expression system.
 15. The method of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the body fluid sample is blood or a blood-derived sample.
 16. The method as defined in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the bound antibody is detected by an immunosorbent assay using an antibody conjugated to a signaling means.
 17. A kit comprising at least the following components: (a) one or more recombinant MHC molecules which each bind to a different allele specific MHC antibody, wherein each of said one or more allele specific antibodies is specific for a particular naturally occurring MHC allele and binds to only one of said one or more recombinant MHC molecules which contains one or more epitopes of said naturally occurring MHC allele; and (b) a means for detecting anti-MHC antibodies.
 18. A kit as claimed in claim 17 which further comprises a solid support together with means for attachment of the MHC molecules.
 19. A kit as claimed in claim 17 wherein the means for detecting said anti-MHC antibodies comprises an antibody which binds to the complex formed between said MHC molecules and naturally occurring antibodies to said molecules.
 20. A kit as claimed in claim 18, wherein said solid support is a spherical bead.
 21. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said recombinant MHC or HLA molecule is in the form of a fusion protein.
 22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein said recombinant MHC or HLA molecule is fused to a means of immobilization.
 23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said means of immobilization is biotin. 